Show Notes
Diversity and SEND specialist Frances Akinde drops in with Ellen and Jamie to cut through token gestures and show what allyship really looks like on the ground. She draws on her work co-founding the BAMEed SEND Hub and her punchy book Be an Ally, Not a Bystander to reveal how intersectionality shapes classrooms, corridors and policy meetings alike. Straight-talking, evidence-rich and genuinely empowering.
More from Talking Dyslexia
Sky News/BBC Newsround journalist Leah Boleto joins Talking Dyslexia to share her family’s story: suspecting she’s dyslexic, and navigating diagnosis + support for her son Enzo (nearly 8). We cover: the fact that dyslexia doesn’t mean unintelligence, “naughty” labels at school, phonics/letter reversals, why the system makes help hard to access, and what’s worked - strong SENCO relationships, short bursts, movement breaks, and protecting confidence early. #TalkingDyslexia #LeahBoleto #Dyslexia #Neurodiversity #Parenting #Education #SENCO #EarlyScreening
Broadcaster, presenter, and proud dyslexic Fia Tarrant joins Talking Dyslexia. Fia hosts Heart FM’s Naughty’s Weekdays Breakfast Show, started in radio at 17, and has presented across the UK and Spain — with appearances on the Disney Channel and Sky Sports. In this episode of Talking Dyslexia, Fia opens up about: - Being diagnosed early — and the teacher who first spotted the signs - Moon Hall School: why it was “nurturing” and confidence-building - The shock of mainstream school — and being told “dyslexia isn’t real” - Why she calls herself “super dyslexic” (and why she won’t hide it) - Scripts, live moments, and the panic of reading under pressure - Parenting: her son Harris (10) may be dyslexic — and how she’s approaching it without pressure - Her advice: lean into strengths, chase the things you love, and back yourself Fia’s message is simple: be upfront about what you need, stop wasting energy on shame, and build your life around your strengths.
Former F1 driver and Le Mans winner Mark Blundell spent his school years outside the classroom door, told not to sit his exams and left to believe he “wouldn’t qualify as having an education”. In this episode of Talking Dyslexia, Mark opens up about: Hating school but finding self-worth in racing
Scanning Pens co-founder Jack Churchill shares his journey from dyslexia diagnosis to building a global assistive technology company, and why the right tools can transform education, work, and even prison systems.
Dyslexia specialist Louise Selby talks about her books for parents, packed with strategies to help children thrive, and why understanding morphology - the building blocks of words - can be a game-changer. With over 25 years’ experience, she offers clear, practical advice for supporting children both in the classroom and at home.